Pre-Jamboree

Jamboree Registration

Registration for the iGEM 2010 Jamboree is due on September 20th. A Jamboree attendance fee of $225.00 USD is required for each undergraduate or high school student and $425.00 USD for all instructors, grad students, advisors, and other attendees. Registration after September 20th will increase $50.00 and all payments must be received by October 4th, 2010. Head to the attendance fee page to find out more details on how to register.

Project Abstract

In order to provide others with a summary of what your project is about, we will be asking each iGEM team to submit an abstract of 100-150 words along with your project title (maximum 15 words) by September 20th. Your abstract will be used in the Jamboree program that will provide a guide to the different topics that iGEM teams will be presenting. Please see the project abstract page for more details.

Team Roster

In order to get a final list of team members, each team must finalize their team roster by September 20th. For your roster to be finalized, each team member must have a user account and be listed on the Team Information page. Note that all members must be confirmed and NOT listed as "pending" (i.e. they should be in the Team Roster section of the Team Information page. See this example. Be sure to include all members who participated over the summer, not only those who will be attending the Jamboree, as this list will be used to create participation certificates (so check for spelling mistakes too!).

Tracks

Track selection helps group similar projects together so that they may be judged fairly and share presentation time. It is important that you submit your track selection on time, by September 20th. You can find a list of the tracks on the tracks selection page and see judging criteria for each track. Email your top 3 track selections, in order of preference, to hq AT igem DOT org.

Visa Letters

In previous years there were several teams that were not able to attend the Jamboree due to visa problems. In order to avoid a similar problem this year, we asked that all teams apply for visas by June 1 at the latest. If you need to apply for a visa to come to the Jamboree, you can use our online form and print out an official invitation letter.

iGEM Headquarters does not have any authority over consulate offices or the visa application process. The only way to have the highest chance of obtaining a visa is to apply early. If you do not yet know who will be attending the Jamboree in November, err on the side of caution and have all members apply for a visa.

Documentation

Project: According to the iGEM requirements, each iGEM team's project should be documented on the iGEM 2010 wiki site with enough detail to replicate it independently. Additional presentational information about the team - their story, the rationale for the project, failures, successes, future work, etc. - is highly encouraged. Remember that these wiki pages will be the main source of inspiration for future teams, and having good documentation on them and in the part description in the Registry increases the likelihood of more teams building on your project and your parts. What is considered proper documentation is decided by the judging committee and you can find details about proper documentation at the Judging page.

Parts: iGEM requirements also state that all teams must properly document their parts on the Registry. The judging committee also decides what is considered proper part documentation. See the Judging page for details. Remember, the success of not just iGEM, but all of synthetic biology, depends on the development of well-characterized, reliable, standardized biological parts that have been designed to be simple to use and understand.

DNA Submissions

iGEM teams are expected to submit their parts to the Registry of Standard Biological Parts. There have been changes to the submission process this year, namely pSB1C3 as a standard backbone for submissions, so please take a look at the submissions page linked below. In addition to submitting your parts, you must also declare which of your parts are "favorites." Judges will only be looking at favorite parts so make sure to promote them before the October 27th deadline.

Judging Form

Teams will be required to submit a judging form that outlines their accomplishments according to the judging criteria. Judging forms will be available online at the beginning of October.

Poster Requirements

There will be two poster sessions at the iGEM 2010 Jamboree. Each team will be assigned to ONE of the two poster sessions. Locations will be assigned at random prior to your arrival at the Jamboree. You will be required to put up your poster by 9am on the day of your session. Posters shall be NO LARGER than 48 inches by 48 inches (1.22m x 1.22m). Each team may only put up ONE poster.

For details on poster judging see the judging page. Keep in mind that the poster must be able to convey your team's project fully. It should be able to be judged without any external information or input from team members.

iGEM HQ will be asking for a copy of your poster in pdf format for our files. You will be required to provide the pdf version of your poster at the beginning of your scheduled presentation session.

Presentation Requirements

Each registered iGEM team is to make a 20-minute presentation, followed by 5 minutes of questions/answer session. A laptop will NOT be provided to your team -- please make sure you bring your own laptop from which to display your presentation as well as any necessary accessories to connect the laptop to a projector cable.

iGEM HQ will also be asking for a copy of your presentation in pdf format for our files. You will be required to provide the pdf version of your presentation at the beginning of your scheduled presentation session.

Software Tools Track

General Release Form

The 2010 iGEM Jamboree will be a multimedia event: in addition to the team presentation videos that will be uploaded online, we will also be uploading photos and videos from the entire event so others can get an idea of what iGEM and the Jamboree is like. In order to comply with the law, every person attending the Jamboree must fill out this general release form. All participants attending the Jamboree must print, fill out, and bring a general release form with you to the Jamboree.

Hotels

iGEM does not provide travel or housing for any iGEM members. Participants are required to make their own travel and lodging arrangements. However, we have arranged for iGEM room blocks with special pricing at nearby hotels. All iGEM Block rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis so it is recommended that you make your reservations early.

Guests

Guests, family, and friends are welcome to come to the Jamboree. Each must register and pay the Jamboree attendance fee. There will be registration on site for last minute attendees but note that there is a $50 fee increase after September 20th.

As space is limited in presentation rooms and at the awards ceremony, preference will be given to iGEM team members. Extra seating will be available on a space available basis. Payment of the Jamboree attendance fee does not guarantee a seat in presentation rooms or at the awards ceremony.

Volunteer

There will be many opportunities to volunteer at the Jamboree. We would especially like to encourage past iGEM participants (iGEM alums) to volunteer to help during the Jamboree. Head to the Volunteer page to find out more information.

During the Jamboree

Welcome to the iGEM 2010 Jamboree! The next few days will be full of exciting presentations, stimulating conversations, well-deserved awards, and most of all, a lot of fun. The following information will guide you through the whole Jamboree event from what to expect at Friday night practice all the way up to the awards ceremony on Monday. Please read through this whole guide! It contains useful instructions and information that will ensure your Jamboree experience will go as smoothly as possible. And as a special note to team leaders, you will have some extra responsibilities so please make sure you are aware of what you are expected to do.

If you have a question at any point during the Jamboree, just look for one of the iGEM staff members.

Note: For all locations on the MIT campus – Stata Center, Lobby 13, Walker Memorial, and other event locations, consult the map in your registration packet.

Schedule

The general schedule is as follows.

Friday evening - Informal practice sessions, Registration

Saturday - Presentations, Poster session reception

Sunday - Presentations, Poster session reception, Social event

Monday - Awards ceremony

Each team will have 20 minutes to give their presentation, 5 minutes for Q & A, and 5 minutes to switch to the next team.

A more detailed schedule will be posted closer to the Jamboree.

Check-In

Teams can check-in Friday night (November 5th) for the Jamboree beginning at 1pm. Check-in will be located at Compton Lounge.

At Check-in you will pick up your team box containing team member badges, participation certificates, registration packets, lunch tickets, and other important and useful information. Each team leader will be responsible for picking up the team box. This means that each member of the team DOES NOT have to stand in line at check-in. Important: in order to pick up your team box, you will be required to turn in all general release forms for each person that is on your team roster. The release forms are absolutely necessary (see section on release forms below). Check-in personnel will check off each release form for each team member. Badge(s) pertaining to each person missing a release form will be held at Check-in until the form has been turned in. Badges will be necessary for entrance into presentation rooms, events, and for access to food.

Guest Check-in begins Friday (November 5th) at 1pm, also at Compton Lounge. If you did not register online, it will be possible to register on-site during the course of the Jamboree. On Monday, however, on-site registration will take place at Kresge Auditorium. Registration at this time will cost $275 for undergraduates and high school students, and $475 for everyone else.

Badges

You will receive your name badge as part of your team box, as long as you have submitted your general release form. Please wear your badge at all times during the Jamboree and make sure it is clearly visible. Badges will be necessary for entrance into presentation rooms, for access to food, and for the iGEM social event. If you do not have a badge, you must register in order to obtain one.

Friday Night Practice

Teams will be allowed to practice on Friday night (November 5th) at MIT, beginning at 6:00pm. You can practice your presentation, and get to know fellow iGEM members. Sign-up on the Practice sessions page to reserve your time-slot.

There are a limited number of rooms available, so please check availability online. We cannot match the practice room with the room you will give your presentation in on Saturday or Sunday. Note that there will not be technical staff on hand to help with audio/visual equipment. Please leave all presentation rooms in the condition that you found them. Friday night practice will run from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, and there will also be pizza and soda provided on a first come, first serve basis.

General Release

The 2010 iGEM Jamboree will be a multimedia event: in addition to the team presentation videos that will be uploaded online, we will also be uploading photos and videos from the entire event so others can get an idea of what iGEM and the Jamboree is like. In order to comply with the law, all participants attending the Jamboree must print, fill out, and bring a general release form with you to the Jamboree. Note: Team leaders, you must have a filled-out general release form for each member of your team that is on the official roster before you can pick up your team member badges and team box. There will also be blank copies available at registration for you to fill out if you need another copy. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask an iGEM staff member.

Team Leaders

As mentioned above, team leaders have a few responsibilities. Each team leader (or a designated representative) will be responsible for gathering all team member general release forms and handing them in at Check-in in order to obtain your team box. Team leaders are responsible for making sure individual team members receive the materials in the box. On Monday at Kresge Auditorium, team leaders will pickup their team medals after the ceremony.

Team Boxes

Your team box will contain the following:

Team member badges

Map of iGEM events

Team member certificates

Jamboree Handbook

Program & Schedule

Team-Specific Information

Lunch Tickets

iGEM 2010 Social Event Info

Internet Connection Instructions

Sponsor Information

Other Information

iGEM 2011 Info

Notes: Team leaders are responsible for picking up team boxes and ensuring individual team members receive the necessary materials. Badges are to be worn at all times.

Posters

Each team is required to present a poster at the Jamboree. There are two poster sessions, session ‘A’ on Saturday and session ‘B’ on Sunday, and your team will be assigned to ONE session. Furthermore, poster locations are randomly assigned for each team in one of the three main hubs: Stata Center, Lobby 13, Walker Memorial. Please see your poster information sheet, in your team box, for your team’s poster session and location.

The poster must be no larger than 4 ft (48 in, 121.92 cm) by 4 ft (48 in, 121.92cm). Each team may only put up ONE poster. The poster should be hung up on one of the poster stands that will be set up at your assigned location.

Clear push pins will be provided at the poster stands and are to be affixed to each poster board. Please only use these clear push pins. Do not use tape or the grey pins along the edge of the board. The grey pins hold the poster board onto the frame, and if they are removed, the board will fall. Teams can setup their posters beginning at 8am on Saturday or Sunday depending on their session assignment.

Poster judges will be roaming throughout the day Saturday and Sunday. A green sticker affixed to your poster will indicate that it has been judged. The poster receptions will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 5pm and 7pm in Stata Center, Lobby 13, and Walker Memorial.

Posters must be removed immediately following the poster receptions on both Saturday and Sunday, both of which end at 7pm. Please be sure to remove your poster at the end of the reception. Any remaining posters will not be saved.

iGEM around MIT campus

Due to the size of this year’s Jamboree, we have established three main hubs on the MIT campus – the Stata Center, Lobby 13, and Walker Memorial. These hubs will serve as central meeting points, hold team posters, and also serve food.

Presentations

In each room, the presentations will be divided into four sessions with each session comprised of three separate presentations. Each of the three presentations given during a session will be of the same ‘track’. Please be sure to bring the necessary equipment for your presentation, such as your laptop, cables/adaptors, and power supply, as iGEM will not provide these. If you are attending the presentations, please stay for the whole session and only leave the room during the scheduled coffee breaks.

Each team has 20 minutes of presentation time, 5 minutes for questions and answers, and 5 minute to switch with the next presenters.

We need your posters and presentations

In an effort to capture all of the hard work that teams have put into their iGEM projects, we ask that each team give us a copy of your presentation and a copy of your poster.

To submit your files follow the instructions below.

Save your presentation and poster as a pdf file.

Ten minutes before the start of each session, there will be an iGEM staff member at the front of each presentation room.

Bring your laptop with the files on it to the front and the iGEM staff member will transfer your presentation and poster to a USB key that they will have with them.

Please make sure to do this in the 10 minutes prior to the start of the session! (NOT prior to your presentation time)

Saturday Night Workshops

After Saturday's poster reception, there will be workshops to discuss iGEM 2011 regions, as well as workshops held by sponsors. Check the schedule for workshop times and locations.

iGEM from Above

After the finalists have given their presentations on Monday, we will be taking the 2010 iGEM from Above picture! The picture will be taken at the Kresge Oval, weather permitting. Make sure to wear your iGEM team t-shirt!

Medals

This year we are once again designating achievements for documentation of your project and contributions to the synthetic biology community. These achievements are signified by a bronze, silver, or gold medal seal, which each team member can adhere to their participatory certificate. These designations will be based on their performance in the online judging round (online judging occurs in the week directly before the Jamboree).

Team Leaders can pick up their team medals (one for each member on the official roster) on Monday afternoon after the awards ceremony in the lobby of Kresge Auditorium. It is intended that your medal seal be placed on your participation certificate (for each team member). Frames for participation certificates can also be picked up in the lobby after the awards ceremony.

Awards/Frames

Awards will be presented at the awards ceremony on Monday (November 8th). Each team that wins an award will receive one trophy for the team as well as award certificates for each team member. These award certificates are separate from the participation certificates that all iGEM teams receive from their team box. Both the award certificates and the participation certificates look great when framed. Certificate frames will be provided by iGEM HQ and will be available in the lobby of Kresge Auditorium after the awards ceremony finishes. Boxes for the awards will also be provided at this time.

Family and Friends

Family and friends are welcome to register for all iGEM Jamboree events. If non-iGEM team members (e.g. family, friends, guests) want to attend the presentation sessions, poster sessions, social on Sunday, and the awards ceremony, they have to officially register and get a badge (on-site registration is available and can be paid for with all major credit cards, US$475). Entrance to the awards ceremony is not guaranteed, and is dependent on the capacity of Kresge Auditorium.

Food

Food will be provided throughout the Jamboree. Badges must be (visibly) worn in order to have access to all food.

Teams have been randomly assigned to lunch locations in order to spread out the crowd and cut down on the time you have to wait on line. We ask that you please pick up your lunch in your assigned location, although you are free to eat it where you wish.

Note that your team boxes will contain color-coded lunch tickets that you will need to present in order to obtain your lunch. See the flyer in your registration folder for the menu and your lunch location.

Social Event: Sunday night

On Sunday night after the poster reception, we will be hosting an iGEM Jamboree social event at Jillian’s of Boston from 8:00pm to 12:00am. There will be food, dancing, billiards, bowling, lounge space on the 1st and 2nd floors of Jillian's. Each person will receive two drink tickets at the door for soft drinks/soda. For those who are 21 and over there will be a cash bar. The drinking age in the US is 21 so please keep this in mind. Bartenders will be checking IDs so please have your US ID or passport with you as identification. We have arranged to have shuttle buses to bring people from the MIT campus and the Hyatt to the event location at Jillian's in the Fenway area of Boston. See the map in your registration packet for shuttle stop locations.

Note: You must have your iGEM name badge in order to gain access to the social event.

Luggage

If you need to check out of your hotel on Monday morning and need to stow your luggage somewhere, you can bring it to Kresge Auditorium. However, we cannot guarantee that it will be locked or supervised during the awards ceremony. If you do bring your luggage to Kresge Auditorium it is absolutely critical that your luggage be picked up by 2:30 pm.

Transportation

The cities of Boston and Cambridge have a public transportation system that is comprised of buses and subways. You can find more information for the MBTA here: http://www.mbta.com. The Jamboree and its event locations are located by the MBTA Red Line at the Kendall/MIT subway stop. There are also several bus stops in the area.